JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The new era in Jacksonville is here. Game on.
James Gladstone was introduced as the new general manager to Jaguars fans on Monday morning, promising collaboration, transparency and success. He comes in high regard as a rising star following nine years in the Rams organization working under Les Snead and Sean McVay. Gladstone’s age (34) is a head-turner, but it goes in line with the organizational overhaul. New head coach Liam Coen is 39. Offensive coordinator Grant Udinski is 29.
Gladstone is the youngest GM in Jaguars history, four years younger than Dave Caldwell who was hired at 38 in 2013. Gladstone may look even younger than his age but he is not shy on what needs to happen.
“To the Jaguar fan base, I turn to you. With Liam’s vision, with a disciplined approach, we’re going to bring you a product that you all can be proud of, and we are so appreciative of your support. With that … game on.”
Gladstone spent nine years in Los Angeles during one of the most unusual stretches in that franchise’s history. The Rams went 4-12 in 2016, his first year with the team, before it changed directions in its own youth movement. The Rams hired 30-year-old Sean McVay in 2017, a move that marked a massive shift in NFL circles. McVay has thrived in Los Angeles, taking Los Angeles to Super Bowls in 2019 and 2021, the latter a win over the Bengals.
Gladstone’s forte is scouting and roster building, and he had to learn quite a bit of that on the fly. Los Angeles was without first-round picks from 2017 to 2023, the result of trades to bring in stars like Matthew Stafford and Jalen Ramsey. The Rams nailed numerous non-first-round picks, including receiver Puka Nacua (fifth round in 2023), running back Kyren Williams (fifth in 2022) and receiver Cooper Kupp (third round in 2017). With the team’s first first-rounder since 2017 last year, Los Angeles selected edge Jared Verse. He went on to win Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Gladstone’s abilities jumped off the screen in the virtual interview and then in person, leaving no doubts to owner Shad Khan, executive vice president of football operations Tony Boselli and Coen that they’d found their next GM.
“It was very evident to us that James was absolutely what we were looking for,” Khan said. “We’re very blessed to have him.”
Gladstone used words like collaborate and alignment multiple times, something the previous regime said but never appeared to live by.
“By default, because of where our roots both fall, we’re aligned just in and of itself,” Gladstone said. “And I think through this whole process, some of the things that really were the most alluring and exciting about this opportunity is that the leadership structure, well, it mirrors what I’m familiar with in Los Angeles, and I know that that’s one that I, A) can have success in, and it’s B) something that can be successful in this line of work.”
Gladstone coached and taught at the high school level after graduating from Westminster College in 2013. He played football there and was a two-time captain of the team as a receiver. It wasn’t until the Rams approached him in 2016 that Gladstone got his foot in the NFL door as a senior assistant working under esteemed Los Angeles GM Les Snead.
“I see a lot of parallels to, really, my time with the Los Angeles Rams and the current moment in time here with the Jacksonville Jaguars in particular. Dating back to sort of the inflection point in 2017 when the Los Angeles Rams were coming off a four-win season, hired a dynamic and resilient head coach [McVay], and we’re able to follow that up with a successful season and successful season since,” Gladstone said. “So really going to tap into all of those years of experience and the different sort of modes of operation and models that we deployed while applying here.”
Change is here.
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) February 22, 2025
GM James Gladstone introduces himself to our coaching staff.#DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/T627hgSHLk
Gladstone’s time with the Rams overlapped with Coen, who spent four years working under McVay. Coen said that Gladstone was a worker who was totally dialed into whatever he was given. Coen mentioned one thing specifically, Gladstone’s work in handling the undrafted free agent work.
“He was spearheading that entire process, and I saw this guy completely dominate that position. The ability to communicate with both scouting and the coaches was just at such a different level than I was used to seeing somebody be able to do,” Coen said. “That was when you really started to see his process, his ability. It was really pretty cool to watch his process growing up, and then see him continuing to evolve, it’s been awesome to see.”
News4JAX was able to catch up with some fans and gauge their reaction to the hiring of Gladstone.
Self-described Jags superfan Jon Fichter said he’s happy that his team is leaning into the youth movement that has been happening throughout the NFL.
“Oh man, I thought the head coach was young,” Fichter said. “This guy makes him look way younger. It’s amazing. And now I think this is what the NFL is becoming now. A young man’s league.”
He continued to say that he won’t judge Gladstone’s time in Jacksonville based on how many Super Bowls the team wins, but is more focused on seeing if the team can win consistently, something that hasn’t necessarily transpired in past years.
“It can’t get worse,” Fichter noted. “You might try something new. I know Shad tries to do some crazy stuff [like] bringing in Urban Meyer. I think this is a different direction. I’m here for the change hopefully.”
Historically, Khan has given general managers and coaches more than enough time to prove their capabilities, and it seems reasonable to assume that Gladstone and Coen will be given a few seasons to right the ship.
The regime’s first test will take place soon as the NFL’s free agency period opens on March 12, while the NFL Draft takes place shortly after on April 24.